Cycle Systems Online

In this episode, we dive into the world of versatile cycling setups, the evolution of gravel and mountain bikes, and the story behind a painful foot injury during an overseas visit. Join us as Sean and John Galloway revisit the influence of the Velocast, discuss the rise of drop-bar mountain bikes, and explore what’s shaping the future of gravel racing, bike packing, and versatile bike builds. Full show notes HERE. Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in...

In this episode, Sean discusses the latest Mavic E-Deemax wheelset, a newly designed wheelset specifically for e-bikes. The E-Deemax is Mavic's modern take on the classic D-Max, famously known for its bright yellow rims on downhill bikes back in the 26-inch days. Now, optimized for e-bike durability and versatility, these wheels are designed to handle the extra torque and weight of electric bikes. Sean shares insights from his long-term review, where he has tested the wheelset’s durability,...

In this episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, we sit down with Tynan Couture Rashid, an avid cyclist and bikepacking enthusiast, fresh from an unforgettable adventure in Iceland. We dive deep into Tynan's journey, the technical challenges of bikepacking, and the unique blend of excitement and preparation that comes with riding in one of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the world. Read the full show notes HERE Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learn...

In this episode, Sean and Mike dive deep into the world of bikepacking gear and innovations, with Mike sharing insights gained from years of reviewing cycling equipment and personal bikepacking adventures. From tackling Scotland's harsh weather to exploring New Zealand’s rugged terrain, we discuss how bikepacking setups have evolved, making it easier for both seasoned cyclists and beginners to enjoy the outdoors. Shownotes can be found HERE. Want to immerse yourself in community and a year...

In this episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, host Sean Lally is joined by cycling expert and Road.CC reviewer Mike Stead to discuss the Shimano Cues groupset, one year after its release. They dive into the performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of Shimano Cues, especially in the context of e-bikes and bike maintenance. Shownotes HERE Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

In this podcast episode, the discussion centers on the evolution and impact of cycling technology, featuring David Darby of Red Chilli Bikes. They explore how the high costs of advanced materials and technologies, such as electronic group sets and internal cable routing, have made premium bikes less accessible. The conversation highlights the challenges of maintaining modern bikes and the industry's shift towards integrated designs, driven by both technological advances and pandemic-induced p...

Welcome to Episode 202 of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the essential yet often overlooked aspect of cycling: cleaning your bike. Not only does a clean bike look great, but proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for prolonging the life of your bike and its components. Join Sean as he busts some common myths and shares best practices for keeping your bike in top condition, learned from a Swiss bike shop—one of the best in the business. Want to ...

In this episode of Cycle Systems Online, host Sean Lally dives into the debate of experience versus training in bike mechanics. Drawing from his experience running a training center since 2009, Sean discusses the importance of continuous learning, common industry misconceptions, and the value of accredited qualifications. He shares real-world anecdotes to highlight the need for both practical experience and formal training, and advocates for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to keep s...

In this week's episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, Sean chats with Dino Pavledis, a Cycle Systems Academy graduate. Dino shares his inspiring journey from head chef to bike mechanic, sparked by a passion for cycling at Riverford Organics. He highlights the structured learning at the academy, overcoming challenges, and completing a 136k ride on a bike he rebuilt. Dino now excels in bike maintenance and enjoys both mountain and road biking. Sean and Dino discuss modern bike complexitie...

In this episode of the Cycle Systems Online Podcast, host Sean delves into the often-overlooked ethical concerns in the bike manufacturing industry. With a spotlight on the recent investigation into Shimano’s Malaysian factory, he explores issues such as labor exploitation, environmental degradation, and the lack of fair trade standards in bike production. Sean discusses historical parallels to indentured labor and highlights potential solutions by drawing comparisons to the apparel ind...

Warranty work, unless you sell exclusively Pashleys and Bromptons you'll have lots of this. It seems most mainstream manufacturers see warranty cases as a cost of business. However, are they taking their fair share of the hit or does the humble bike shop shoulder the burden instead? Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

The long overdue Shimano 11spd crank recall seems to be throwing up as many questions as it is answering. Is this a genuine recall, or an attempt to push as much of the responsibility elsewhere as possible? Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.

MTB riders cannot replicate their kicks on Zwift. They are hard men and women that don't mind a bit of mud. Join Sean, self-confessed hardcore mud lover himself, to find out about MTB Winter tires. For full show notes click HERE. Want to immerse yourself in community and a year long learning programme in bike maintenance? Check out our Team Camp membership program.